This quick and easy Chinese Pea Shoots Recipe (炒豆苗 Chao Dou Miao) is a classic Chinese veggie side dish you’ll often see at restaurants—and for good reason! Tender, leafy pea shoots are flash-cooked with garlic for a fragrant and flavorful side that pairs well with almost any Asian entrée.
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What are Pea Shoots?
Pea shoots are the young leaves and tendrils of the pea plant, commonly from snow peas. They're harvested early—usually just 2–4 weeks into the growing cycle—making them tender and sweet with a hint of that familiar pea flavor.
You might also see them labeled as:
- Dou Miao (豆苗)
- Snow pea leaves
At the Asian supermarket, sometimes we see bigger ones and sometimes smaller ones, and it's totally up to you which ones to get. Personally, I like the smaller ones because they are more tender.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 10 minutes
- Only 4 ingredients
- Naturally vegan, gluten-free, keto, paleo, and Whole30-friendly
- Pairs well with rice, noodles, or meats
Ingredients
- 1 lb pea shoots (a.k.a. snow pea leaves)
- 2 tablespoon cooking oil of choice (avocado, canola, or peanut oil work great)
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- Salt to taste
Preparing the Snow Pea Leaves
Cleaning: Rinse the pea shoots thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
Trim: Snip off any woody ends with kitchen shears or pinch by hand—this improves the texture significantly.
How to Stir Fry Pea Shoots
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add smashed garlic and stir for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Add the pea shoots and toss to coat with oil and garlic.
Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until leaves are wilted and tender but still vibrant green.
Season with salt, give it a final toss, and serve hot!
Chinese Pea Shoots Recipe
This quick and tasty Snow Pea Leaves Stir Fry (炒豆苗) is a classic Chinese vegetable dish made with tender pea shoots and aromatic garlic. It’s light, flavorful, and ready in under 10 minutes—perfect as a healthy side for any Asian-inspired meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb pea shoots (snow pea leaves)
- 2 tablespoon cooking oil
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed and roughly chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash and trim the pea shoots, removing tough ends.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat oil on medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry for 30–60 seconds.
- Add the pea shoots and stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until tender.
- Add salt to taste, mix well, and serve.
Notes
- Don’t overcook: Stir-fry just until the leaves wilt—overcooking can make them soggy and dull in color.
- Tough stems? Some bunches have thicker stems—feel free to pinch or snip them off before cooking for a more tender bite.
- Add a splash of broth: If the wok gets too dry, a tablespoon of water or broth helps wilt the greens evenly without over-oiling.
- Seasoning ideas: Try adding a dash of sesame oil, a sprinkle of white pepper, or a spoonful of oyster sauce for variation.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 160Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 149mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 6gSugar: 7gProtein: 6g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information.
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More Delicious Stir Fry Veggie Recipes
Quick, nutritious, and full of flavor—these veggie-forward dishes are perfect as light mains or tasty sides!
- Stir Fry A Choy (Taiwanese Lettuce) – A simple and comforting veggie dish featuring tender A Choy (aka Taiwanese lettuce) stir fried with smashed garlic. A staple in many Taiwanese homes!
- Stir Fry Luffa Gourd (Silk Melon, Si Gua) – This soft, spongy gourd is stir fried with dried shrimp for a savory, umami-packed dish that’s both nostalgic and nourishing.
- Stir Fry Bean Sprouts and Garlic Chives – Crunchy mung bean sprouts and fragrant garlic chives come together in this fast and flavorful veggie stir fry.
- Malabar Spinach Stir Fry – This unique leafy green is simply cooked with ginger for a silky, slightly slippery texture and aromatic bite.
yang
Saturday 14th of August 2021
This is the only way I make my pea shoots. I absolutely love this vegetable - so delicious when they are tender!
Donny
Thursday 12th of August 2021
I've always wondered what to do with them and cooking them with garlic makes so much sense!
Megan Stevens
Thursday 12th of August 2021
Yum yum yum! I love these stir fried pea shoots and that they taste like peas but with the tender greens texture. So fun and delicious!
Jean Choi
Monday 9th of August 2021
Such a wonderful texture and flavor, and I love how quick these pea shoots come together! It's a delicious side dish we enjoyed with some stir fry beef.